Brumback Clinics honored live in New York City today as a leader in colorectal cancer prevention

The C. L. Brumback Primary Care Clinics are one of six honorees from across the country that will today receive an “80% by 2018 National Achievement Award” from the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable (NCCRT), an organization co-founded by the American Cancer Society and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The award will be presented to the Brumback Clinics, Federally Qualified Health Centers operated by the Health Care District of Palm Beach County, during today’s live broadcast from 2-3 pm EST. This multimedia event will feature Katie Couric, actor Luke Perry, country music artist Craig Campbell and professional race car driver Scott Lagasse, Jr.

Chief Medical Officer doctor Belma Andric sits on stage with the panel of honorees

The District’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Belma Andric was part of a panel of honorees on March 1 at American Cancer Society’s NCCRT – National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable live broadcast in Times Square. Dr. Andric discussed the Brumback Clinics’ leadership in preventing colorectal cancer through its innovative approaches and initiatives. The panel was hosted by actor Luke Perry.

The Countdown to 2018 event aims to celebrate and accelerate progress on the 80% by 2018 campaign – a nationwide effort to regularly screen 80% of eligible adults for colorectal cancer by the year 2018. The event also marks the beginning of March, National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.

“We are proud to receive this award in recognition of having one of the highest colorectal cancer screening rates among community health centers in the country,” said Christopher F. Irizarry, Vice President and Executive Director of Clinic Services for the Health Care District of Palm Beach County. “Having lost my father to colon cancer at a young age, this honor is very special.”

“This recognition reflects the dedication and talent of our team of medical providers and support staff at the Brumback Clinics,” said Belma Andrić, MD, MPH, the Health Care District’s Chief Medical Officer. “This recognition also honors the outstanding work of Daniel B. Kairys, MD, General Surgeon, and the surgical staff at Lakeside Medical Center, the Health Care District’s rural, acute-care hospital.”

Group photo of the Brumback Clinics medical and dental providers and support staff

C. L. Brumback Primary Care Clinics' medical and dental providers and support staff gather for a group photo that will be projected on a jumbotron in New York City's Times Square.

Colorectal cancer is the nation’s second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. when men and women are combined. Through colorectal cancer screening, doctors can find and remove hidden growths in the colon, called polyps, before they become cancerous. Removing polyps can prevent cancer.

Brumback Clinics patient standing in front of the Lantana Clinic

Ross Russell, Brumback Clinics' patient in front of the Lantana Clinic

Brumback Clinics’ patients, like 55-year old Ross Russell of Boynton Beach, say they are grateful.

“It was like a miracle,” said Mr. Russell. “I had three polyps removed. None of them were cancerous. I definitely needed a colonoscopy and I couldn’t have done it or have been able to afford it without the Brumback Clinics.”

As part of their innovative screening strategy, the Brumback Clinics piloted a “poop on demand” program where the stool sample for fecal immunochemical tests (FITs) is collected during the clinic visit rather than at home. This improved the rate of returned FIT test kits by 30%.

Currently, 76% of Brumback Clinic patients age 50-75 years are screened for colon cancer. The average rate among community health centers is 38%.

“We are committed to providing access to medical care for adults and children in the community, especially in underserved areas of the county,” said Darcy J. Davis, CEO of the Health Care District of Palm Beach County. “This award underscores that our commitment to quality care and preventive services can help save lives.”

Doctor Daniel Kairys and RN Pam Ellison stand next to a colorectal cancer patient in a hospital bed

Far Right: Daniel B. Kairys, MD, Lakeside Medical Center’s Chief Medical Officer and Chief of Surgery, and Pam Ellison, RN, Surgery, (middle) with Zelima Febe, Brumback Clinics’ patient who was positively impacted by the colorectal cancer prevention program. Dr. Kairys performs colonoscopies on patients identified by the Clinics’ program for the procedure.

To register for the live broadcast from Hard Rock Times Square and gain access to the interactive Q&A, visit CRCCountdown.org. The broadcast will also be streamed via Facebook Live on the American Cancer Society (Facebook.com/AmericanCancerSociety) page. Read the NCCRT event press release.